Unique systems and methods for fastening footwear

ABSTRACT

A unique system comprises a tongue of a predetermined footwear, a lace, a lace-end fastener, and at least one lace-section fastener. The footwear has two opposite sides and a plurality of lace receivers disposed thereon. The footwear is laced with the lace to define opposite lace sections, each of which extends between two of the lace receivers on the same side. The tongue has at least one opening. The tongue comprises a plurality of layers. The lace is threaded through the at least one opening. The lace ends are fastened by the lace-end fastener. The lace ends are hidden inside the tongue. The at least one lace-section fastener is for at least one of the lace sections to be fastened thereon and for at least one of the lace sections to be unfastened therefrom, to fasten the footwear on and to unfasten the footwear from a foot, respectively.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lacing-type footwear is an important part of our life, but adjusting, tying, and untying a lace are time-consuming and frustrating. Plus, a bow is snagging and cumbersome. Accordingly, there are ever-increasing demands for a convenient, safe, and aesthetic system, which could fasten a footwear quickly and easily, and is affordable, compact, and simple without exposing a bow knot.

PRIOR ART

Prior arts heretofore have snagging and poking problem of either a bow knot or a cumbersome, hazardous device. A number of cumbersome, hazardous devices have been introduced in: the U.S. Pat. No. 4,094,029 filed Apr. 14, 1977; the U.S. Pat. No. 4,157,622 filed Sep. 26, 1977; the U.S. Pat. No. 4,428,101 filed Oct. 1, 1981; the U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,439 filed Jun. 3, 1987; the U.S. Pat. No. 4,777,705 filed Nov. 2, 1987; the U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,840 filed Jan. 26, 1989; the U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,321 filed Jul. 25, 1988; the U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,274 filed Apr. 30, 1990; the U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,428 filed Mar. 18, 1991; the U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,190 filed Jul. 16, 1990; the U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,053 filed Sep. 23, 1992; the U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,719 filed Apr. 27, 1993; the U.S. Pat. No. 5,903,959 filed Nov. 24, 1997; the U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,864 filed Feb. 6, 1995; the U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,116 filed Nov. 15, 1995; the U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,276 filed Jan. 16, 1996; the U.S. Pat. No. 6,453,525 filed Aug. 3, 2001; the U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,438 filed Aug. 3, 2001; the U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,590 filed Aug. 10, 2001; the U.S. Pat. No. 6,779,281 filed Feb. 12, 2003; and the U.S. Pat. No. 6,823,610 filed Dec. 6, 2002. These patents teach that to fasten a footwear onto a foot, a user ties lace ends of a lace together, fastens them to a cumbersome, hazardous, expensive device, and exposes them, causing snagging, poking, abrading problem and, therefore, inevitable personal injury. Therefore, all prior arts heretofore teach away from the present invention.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

Having many advantages over all the prior arts heretofore, the unique system of the present invention:

-   -   hides lace ends and lace-end fastener inside the tongue of a         footwear and prevent them from moving, to eliminate snagging,         tripping hazards. This is highly advantageous over all the prior         arts, because it utilizes the tongue of a footwear, which is         already there, to hide lace ends and lace-end fastener therein,         to eliminate the needs for any additional cumbersome, hazardous         devices;     -   makes a foot feel predeterminedly comfortable when wearing a         footwear with the unique system applied thereto.         -   (for example, a footwear can have a predetermined tongue so             that:         -   the tongue can predeterminedly cushion a foot from a lace, a             lace-end fastener, and/or at least one lace-section fastener             of a unique system, and/or         -   the foot will feel predeterminedly comfortable when wearing             the footwear).     -   has at least one lace-section fastener. If desired, at least one         of the at least one lace-section fastener can comprise at least         one of the lace receivers of a footwear, which the unique system         is applied thereto.     -   fastens the tongue of a footwear in place when fastening the         footwear onto a foot;     -   only needs to be assembled once to set predetermined lace         tensions, which can be reset any time;     -   eliminates the needs for adjusting, tying a lace every time a         footwear is fastened onto a foot;     -   eliminates the needs for adjusting, untying a lace every time a         footwear is unfastened from a foot;     -   is inexpensive, compact, safe, and simple. Thus, it can be used         by people of almost any age;     -   applies interlock method. Thus, the harder it is pulled, the         more securely it fastens a footwear;     -   only needs to be assembled once;     -   only needs one finger to be operated; and     -   can also serve as a safety system when, for example, partially         or entirely made of light-reflecting or glow-in-the-dark         material.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the ensuing specification and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A unique system comprises a tongue of a predetermined footwear, a lace, a lace-end fastener, and at least one lace-section fastener. The footwear has two opposite sides and a plurality of lace receivers disposed thereon. The footwear is laced with the lace to define opposite lace sections, each of which extends between two of the lace receivers on the same side. The tongue has at least one opening. The tongue comprises a plurality of layers. The lace is threaded through the at least one opening. The lace ends are fastened by the lace-end fastener. The lace ends are hidden inside the tongue. The at least one lace-section fastener is for at least one of the lace sections to be fastened thereon and for at least one of the lace sections to be unfastened therefrom, to fasten the footwear on and to unfasten the footwear from a foot, respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D illustrate examples of the unique system.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate examples of a tongue.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a lace-end fastener.

FIG. 5 illustrates another example of the unique system.

FIGS. 6, 7 illustrate examples of hook disposition.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate examples of a preventing device.

FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 illustrate a lace receiver or a part of a lace-section fastener.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate the equivalents of the lace-section fastener.

FIG. 14 illustrates another tongue-opening disposition.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate the equivalents of the lace-end fastener.

FIG. 16 illustrates an other application of the unique system.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate the equivalents of the lace-section fastener.

FIG. 18 illustrates a protecting-device disposition.

FIRST EXAMPLE

Structure:

A unique system, partially or fully elastic or non-elastic, for fastening a predetermined footwear on a foot, can comprise: a tongue of the footwear, a partially or fully elastic or non-elastic lace, a lace-end fastener, and at least one lace-section fastener. The unique system is made of at least one predetermined material.

The footwear has two opposite sides and a plurality of lace-receivers disposed thereon. The lace receivers can comprise at least one hook, at least one ring, the like of at least one hook, the like of at least one ring, the equivalent of at least one hook, the equivalent of at least one ring, or a combination of at least two of the above. At least one of the at least one lace-section fastener:

-   -   can be separate from at least one of the lace receivers of the         footwear,     -   can be attached to at least one of the lace receivers of the         footwear,     -   can be integrated into at least one of the lace receivers of the         footwear,     -   can comprise at least one of the lace receivers of the footwear,         and/or     -   can have at least one of the lace receivers of the footwear.

FIGS. 1A and 1B of the present invention (please, refer to FIG. 4 in my above-mentioned patent) illustrate a unique system for fastening a predetermined footwear on a foot. The footwear has opposite sides 50 and 51 and a plurality of lace receivers disposed at predetermined locations thereon. The lace receivers have rings 70, 71, 78, and 79 and hooks 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, and 77:

-   -   Each of rings 70, 71, 78, and 79 is fixed or movable, has a         hole, is made of predetermined material(s), and is attached to         or integrated into one of opposite sides 50 and 51 as part         thereof (For example, each of rings 70, 71, 78, and 79 comprises         a ring-shaped portion of one of opposite sides 50 and 51. Each         of these ring-shaped portions surrounds a hole).     -   Each of hooks 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, and 77 is fixed or movable,         has a tip, is made of predetermined material(s), and is attached         to or integrated into one of opposite sides 50 and 51 as part         thereof. The tips are predeterminedly bent to narrow the mouths         of hooks 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, and 77, respectively, so that:         -   the tips can prevent hooks 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, and 77,             respectively, from snagging, poking, etc., and         -   each of hooks 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, and 77 can securely fasten             a lace thereon when the lace is hooked thereon, regardless             of the tension of the lace (for example, the lace can be             loose or tight; or the lace can be worn loosely or tightly).

The unique system comprises a tongue 40 of the footwear, a lace 41, a lace-end fastener, and at least one lace-section fastener:

-   -   a) Tongue 40 comprises at least one top layer 20 and at least         one bottom layer 21. At least one of at least one top layer 20         is attached to or integrated into at least one of at least one         bottom layer 21, at at least one predetermined location thereon         (for example, they are sewn together partially or fully along         their edges to define a seam between their edges). Tongue 40 has         an outer surface, an inner surface, a tongue top 45, and three         openings 53, 54, and 55.     -   Each of openings 53 and 54 extends from the outer surface,         through at least one of at least one top layer 20 (or through         the seam), to the inner surface. Opening 55 extends from the         outer surface, through at least one of at least one bottom layer         21 (or through the seam), to the inner surface.     -   Openings 53 and 54 are disposed generally at the level of rings         70 and 71. Opening 55 is disposed generally above the level of         rings 70 and 71. Each of openings 53, 54, and 55 can be disposed         generally above, generally below, or generally at the level of         rings 70 and 71. Tongue 40 can be partially or fully elastic or         non-elastic. Tongue 40 can be made of at least one predetermined         material, so that:         -   tongue 40 can predeterminedly cushion a foot from lace 41,             the lace-end fastener, and/or the at least one lace-section             fastener, and/or         -   the foot will feel predeterminedly comfortable when wearing             the footwear.     -   b) Lace 41 can be partially or fully elastic or non-elastic.         Lace 41 can be made of at least one predetermined material. Lace         41 has a plurality of opposite lace sections, and lace ends 46         and 47.         -   (For example, each of the opposite lace sections is selected             from the group consisting of: opposite lace sections 48 a,             49 a, 48 b, 49 b, 48 c, and 49 c).     -   c) The lace-end fastener can be partially or fully elastic or         non-elastic. The lace-end fastener can be made of at least one         predetermined material. The lace-end fastener comprises lace         ends 46 and 47.     -   d) The at least one lace-section fastener can be partially or         fully elastic or non-elastic. The at least one lace-section         fastener can be made of at least one predetermined material. The         at least one lace-section fastener comprises one lace-section         fastener, which comprises two opposite lace receivers, which         comprise opposite hooks 72 and 73, respectively.

Assemblage:

To assemble the unique system, the footwear is laced with lace 41 so that each of opposite lace sections 48 a, 49 a, 48 b, 49 b, 48 c, and 49 c extends between two of the lace receivers on the same one side of opposite sides 50 and 51:

-   -   lace section 48 a extends between ring 71 and hook 75 on the         same side,     -   lace section 49 a extends between ring 70 and hook 74 on the         same side,     -   lace section 48 b extends between hook 73 and hook 77 on the         same side,     -   lace section 49 b extends between hook 72 and hook 76 on the         same side,     -   lace section 48 c extends between hook 75 and ring 79 on the         same side, and     -   lace section 49 c extends between hook 74 and ring 78 on the         same side.

Each of lace ends 46 and 47 is threaded through one of openings 53 and 54, and through opening 55. Lace ends 46 and 47 are tied together so that they are fastened together (e.g., lace ends 46 and 47 are tied together into a bow, and further if desired, the bow is tied into a knot), to set at least one predetermined lace tension of lace 41. A foot can be inserted into the footwear at any time (e.g., a foot can be inserted into the footwear before, during, or after lace ends 46 and 47 are fastened together). Then, lace ends 46 and 47 are threaded back through opening 55 and hidden inside tongue top 45, so that:

-   -   lace ends 46 and 47 are predeterminedly secured in place and         prevented from moving,     -   lace ends 46 and 47 predetermiinedly stay above the rest of lace         41, and     -   the foot will feel predeterminedly comfortable when wearing the         footwear.

Operation:

The following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in my aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,590 (column 3, from line 50 to line 56), respectively:

-   -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot:         -   hook at least one of the lace sections on the at least one             lace-section fastener, respectively.     -   b) To unfasten a footwear from a foot:         -   unhook at least one of the lace sections from the at least             one lace-section fastener, respectively.

By applying the fastening and unfastening methods above, the following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods above, respectively:

-   -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot, hook opposite lace sections         48 a and 49 a on hooks 72 and 73, respectively, to fasten         opposite lace sections 48 a and 49 a on the lace-section         fastener.     -   b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, unhook opposite lace         sections 48 a and 49 a from hooks 72 and 73, respectively, to         unfasten opposite lace sections 48 a and 49 a from the         lace-section fastener.

SECOND EXAMPLE

FIG. 1A of the present invention (please, refer to FIG. 4 in my above-mentioned patent) illustrates a unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the first example. This unique system comprises the unique system in the first example, except that:

-   -   The lace-section fastener comprises opposite hooks 74 and 75         (instead of opposite hooks 72 and 73).

By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, respectively:

-   -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot, hook opposite lace sections         48 b and 49 b on the lace-section fastener.     -   b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, unhook opposite lace         sections 48 b and 49 b from the lace-section fastener.

THIRD EXAMPLE

FIG. 1A of the present invention (please, refer to FIG. 4 in my above-mentioned patent) illustrates a unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the first example. This unique system comprises the unique system in the first example, except that:

-   -   This unique system has two lace-section fasteners (instead of         one lace-section fastener):         -   first lace-section fastener comprises opposite hooks 72 and             73, and     -   second lace-section fastener comprises opposite hooks 74 and 75.

By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, respectively:

-   -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot, hook lace sections 48 a, 49         a, 48 b, and 49 b on the two lace-section fasteners,         respectively.     -   b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, unhook lace sections 48         a, 49 a, 48 b, and 49 b from the two lace-section fasteners,         respectively.

FOURTH EXAMPLE

FIG. 1A of the present invention (please, refer to FIG. 4 in my above-mentioned patent) illustrates a unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the first example. This unique system comprises the unique system in the first example, except that:

-   -   This unique system has two lace-section fasteners (instead of         one lace-section fastener):         -   first lace-section fastener comprises opposite hooks 72 and             73, and         -   second lace-section fastener comprises opposite hooks 76 and             77.

By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, respectively:

-   -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot, hook lace sections 48 a, 49         a, 48 c, and 49 c on the two lace-section fasteners,         respectively.     -   b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, unhook lace sections 48         a, 49 a, 48 c, and 49 c from the two lace-section fasteners,         respectively.

FIFTH EXAMPLE

FIG. 1A of the present invention (please, refer to FIG. 4 in my above-mentioned patent) illustrates a unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the first example. This unique system comprises the unique system in the first example, except that:

-   -   This unique system has three lace-section fasteners (instead of         one lace-section fastener):         -   first lace-section fastener comprises opposite hooks 72 and             73,         -   second lace-section fastener comprises opposite hooks 74 and             75, and         -   third lace-section fastener comprises opposite hooks 76 and             77.

By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, respectively:

-   -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot, hook opposite lace sections         48 a, 49 a, 48 b, 49 b, 48 c, and 49 c on the three lace-section         fasteners, respectively.     -   b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, unhook opposite lace         sections 48 a, 49 a, 48 b, 49 b, 48 c, and 49 c from the three         lace-section fasteners, respectively.

SIXTH EXAMPLE

FIG. 1C of the present invention (please, refer to FIG. 1 in my above-mentioned patent) illustrates a unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the first example. This unique system comprises the unique system in the first example, except that:

-   -   a) The lace-section fastener comprises hook 56 and ring 57         (instead of opposite hooks 72 and 73). Hook 56 and ring 57:         -   are equivalent to and replace opposite hooks 72 and 73,             respectively,         -   are attached to or integrated into each other, and separate             from the footwear; and     -   b) Ring 57 has a hole. Ring 57 is for lace section 48 a to be         hooked thereon (by being threaded there through) to fasten lace         section 48 a on ring 57. Hook 56 has a tip 59. Tip 59 is         equivalent to the tip of any one of hooks 72, 73, 74, 75, 76,         and 77. Tip 59 is predeterminedly bent to narrow the mouth of         hook 56, so that:         -   tip 59 can prevent hook 56 from snagging, poking, etc., and         -   hook 56 can securely fasten lace section 49 a thereon when             lace section 49 a is hooked thereon, regardless of the             tension of lace section 49 a (for example, lace section 49 a             can be loose or tight; or lace section 49 a can be worn             loosely or tightly).

By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, respectively:

-   -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot, hook lace section 49 a on         hook 56 to fasten it on the lace-section fastener.     -   b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, unhook lace section 49         a from hook 56 to unfasten it from the lace-section fastener         (for example, by lifting hook 56 until lace section 49 a slides         off hook 56;         -   or by flipping hook 56 off lace section 49 a).

SEVENTH EXAMPLE

FIG. 1C of the present invention (please, refer to FIG. 1 in my above-mentioned patent) illustrates a unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the first example. This unique system comprises the unique system in the sixth example, except that

-   -   this unique system has two lace-section fasteners (instead of         one lace-section fastener):         -   first lace-section fastener comprises hook 56 and ring 57,             and         -   second lace-section fastener comprises opposite hooks 74 and             75.

By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, respectively:

-   -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot, hook at least one of         opposite lace sections 48 a, 49 a, 48 b, and 49 b on at least         one of the two lace-section fasteners, respectively.     -   b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, unhook at least one of         opposite lace sections 48 a, 49 a, 48 b, and 49 b from at least         one of the two lace-section fasteners, respectively.

EIGHTH EXAMPLE

FIG. 1C of the present invention (please, refer to FIG. 1 in my above-mentioned patent) illustrates a unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the first example. This unique system comprises the unique system in the sixth example, except that:

-   -   This unique system has three lace-section fasteners (instead of         one lace-section fastener):         -   first lace-section fastener comprises hook 56 and ring 57,         -   second lace-section fastener comprises opposite hooks 74 and             75, and         -   third lace-section fastener comprises opposite hooks 76 and             77.

By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, respectively:

-   -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot, hook each of opposite lace         sections 48 a, 49 a, 48 c, and 49 c on at least one of the three         lace-section fasteners, respectively.     -   b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, unhook each of opposite         lace sections 48 a, 49 a, 48 c, and 49 c from at least one of         the three lace-section fasteners, respectively.

NINTH EXAMPLE

FIG. 1C of the present invention (please, refer to FIG. 1 in my above-mentioned patent) illustrates a unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the first example. This unique system comprises the unique system in the eighth example, except that:

-   -   at least one of the second and third lace-section fasteners can         be replaced with at least one of the following fourth and fifth         lace-section fasteners, respectively, and vice versa,     -   the fourth lace-section fastener comprises opposite hooks 84 and         85,     -   the fifth lace-section fastener comprises opposite hooks 86 and         87,     -   each of four opposite hooks 84, 85, 86, and 87 is equivalent to         any one of four opposite hooks 74, 75, 76, and 77, and     -   each of four opposite hooks 84, 85, 86, and 87 is attached to or         integrated into one of opposite sides 50 and 51 at predetermined         location thereon, for lace 41 to hook thereon to create a         different predetermined lace tension of lace 41 (e.g., to create         higher or lower lace tension of lace 41).

By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, respectively:

-   -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot, hook each of opposite lace         sections 48 a, 49 a, 48 c, and 49 c on at least one of the         lace-section fasteners, respectively.     -   b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, unhook each of opposite         lace sections 48 a, 49 a, 48 c, and 49 c from at least one of         the lace-section fasteners, respectively.

TENTH EXAMPLE

A unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the first example, comprises the unique system in the sixth example, except that:

-   -   This unique system has two lace-section fasteners (instead of         one lace-section fastener):         -   first lace-section fastener comprises hook 56 and ring 57,             and         -   second lace-section fastener comprises a duplicate of the             first lace-section fastener (the second lace-section             fastener comprises a duplicate of hook 56 and a duplicate of             ring 57, which are attached to or integrated into each other             as in the sixth example). Similar to the first lace-section             fastener, the second lace-section fastener is equivalent to             and replaces opposite hooks 76 and 77, and is separate from             the footwear.

By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, respectively:

-   -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot, hook opposite lace sections         49 a and 49 c on the two lace-section fasteners, respectively.     -   b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, unhook opposite lace         sections 49 a and 49 c from the two lace-section fasteners,         respectively.

ELEVENTH EXAMPLE

A unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the first example, comprises the unique system in the fifth example, except that (similar to the ninth example above):

-   -   at least one of the first, second, and third lace-section         fasteners can be replaced with at least one of the following         fourth, fifth, and sixth lace-section fasteners, respectively,         and vice versa,     -   each of the fourth, fifth, and sixth lace-section fasteners         comprises two opposite hooks,     -   each of these opposite hooks is equivalent to any one of six         opposite hooks 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, and 77, and     -   each of the opposite hooks is attached to or integrated into one         of opposite sides 50 and 51 at predetermined location thereon,         for lace 41 to hook thereon to create a different predetermined         lace tension of lace 41 (e.g., to create higher or lower lace         tension of lace 41).

By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, respectively:

-   -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot, hook opposite lace sections         48 a, 49 a, 48 b, 49 b, 48 c, and 49 c on the lace-section         fasteners, respectively.     -   b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, unhook opposite lace         sections 48 a, 49 a, 48 b, 49 b, 48 c, and 49 c from the         lace-section fasteners, respectively.

TWELFTH EXAMPLE

FIG. 1D illustrates a unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the first example. This unique system comprises the unique system in the first example, except that:

-   -   each ring of the lace receivers is replaced with a hook so that         the lace receivers comprise only hooks (instead of hooks and         rings),     -   this unique system has at least one lace-section fastener         (instead of one lace-section fastener), and     -   the at least one lace-section fastener comprises at least one of         the lace receivers for lace 41 to be hooked thereon and to be         unhooked therefrom to fasten the footwear on and to unfasten the         footwear from a foot, respectively (the at least one of the lace         receivers can comprise any hook(s) of the hooks).

By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, respectively:

-   -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot, hook at least one of the         opposite lace sections on the at least one lace-section         fastener, respectively.     -   b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, unhook at least one of         the opposite lace sections from the at least one lace-section         fastener, respectively.

THIRTEENTH EXAMPLE

A unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the first example, can comprise the unique system in the fifth example, except that:

-   -   This unique system has one lace-section fastener (instead of         three lace-section fasteners):         -   the lace-section fastener comprises opposite hooks 72, 73,             74, 75, 76, and 77.

By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, respectively:

-   -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot, hook opposite lace sections         48 a, 49 a, 48 b, 49 b, 48 c, and 49 c on the lace-section         fastener.     -   b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, unhook opposite lace         sections 48 a, 49 a, 48 b, 49 b, 48 c, and 49 c from the         lace-section fastener.

FOURTEENTH EXAMPLE

A unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the first example, can comprise the unique system in the eighth example, except that:

-   -   This unique system has one lace-section fastener (instead of         three lace-section fasteners):         -   the lace-section fastener comprises hook 56, ring 57, and             opposite hooks 74, 75, 76, and 77.

By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, respectively:

-   -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot, hook opposite lace sections         48 a, 49 a, 48 c, and 49 c on the lace-section fastener.     -   b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, unhook opposite lace         sections 48 a, 49 a, 48 c, and 49 c from the lace-section         fastener.

FIFTEENTH EXAMPLE

In the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth example:

-   -   each hook of the lace receivers (which is not a part of any         lace-section fastener(s)), can be replaced with a ring, and/or     -   each ring of the lace receivers (which is not a part of any         lace-section fastener(s)), can be replaced with a hook.

SIXTEENTH EXAMPLE

In the sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, or fourteenth example:

-   -   each hook of the lace receivers (which is not a part of any         lace-section fastener(s)), can be replaced with a ring, and/or     -   each ring of the lace receivers (which is not a part of any         lace-section fastener(s)), can be replaced with a hook.

SEVENTEENTH EXAMPLE

In all the examples in the present invention, tongue 40 can have only two openings 53 and 54 (instead of three openings 53, 54, and 55):

-   -   when assembling the unique system, lace 41 is threaded through         only two openings 53 and 54 (instead of three openings 53, 54,         and 55),     -   then, lace ends 46 and 47 are tied together so that they are         fastened together, to set predetermined lace tensions of lace         41, and     -   lace ends 46 and 47 are threaded back into tongue 40, and hidden         in tongue top 45, so that lace ends 46 and 47 are secured in         place and prevented from moving.

EIGHTEENTH EXAMPLE

A unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the first example, comprises the unique system in the first example, except that:

-   -   the lace-section fastener can be replaced with another         lace-section fastener,     -   the other lace-section fastener comprises two opposite hooks,     -   each of these two opposite hooks is equivalent to any one of         opposite hooks 72 and 73, and     -   each of the two opposite hooks is attached to or integrated into         one of opposite sides 50 and 51 at predetermined location         thereon, for lace 41 to hook thereon to create a different         predetermined lace tension of lace 41 (e.g., to create higher or         lower lace tension of lace 41).

By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, respectively:

-   -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot, hook opposite lace sections         48 a and 49 a on the two opposite hooks, respectively.     -   b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, unhook opposite lace         sections 48 a and 49 a from the two opposite hooks,         respectively.

Equivalents

1) Tongue:

-   -   A tongue, equivalent to any tongue in the present invention, can         be partially or entirely made of at least one material, which         can be elastic, non-elastic, flexible, non-flexible, resilient,         non-resilient, rigid, semi-rigid, transparent, non-transparent,         fluorescent, light-reflecting, glittered, glow-in-the- dark,         fabric, cotton, leather, vinyl, nylon, rubber, plastic, thread,         eye-catching, metallic, steel, bronze, zinc, copper, aluminum,         iron, alloy, tin, the like, the equivalent, or a combination of         at least two of the above.     -   A tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can be partially or fully         elastic or non-elastic.     -   A tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can have any predetermined         shape and size.     -   A tongue of a footwear or each layer of a tongue (which is         equivalent to tongue 40) can be made of at least one         predetermined material, so that:         -   the tongue or at least one layer of the tongue can             predeterminedly cushion a foot from a lace, a lace-end             fastener, and/or at least one lace-section fastener, and/or         -   the foot will feel predeterminedly comfortable when wearing             the footwear.     -   A tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can comprise at least one         predetermined top layer and at least one predetermined bottom         layer. At least one of the at least one top layer can be         attached to or integrated into at least one of the at least one         bottom layer, at at least one predetermined location thereon.         Independently, each layer of the at least one top layer and the         at least one bottom layer can have any predetermined shape and         size, and can be made of at least one predetermined material.     -   A tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can be made of at least one         predetermined material.     -   The cross-section of a tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can have         any predetermined shape and size.     -   A tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can comprise a plurality of         predetermined layers. Each of the layers can be attached to or         integrated into at least one other layer of the layers, at at         least one predetermined location thereon.     -   A tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can comprise a plurality of         predetermined layers. Each layer of the tongue, regardless of         the rest of the tongue:         -   can have any predetermined shape and size, can be made of at             least one predetermined material,         -   can comprise a single piece of material(s) or a plurality of             pieces of material(s), which are attached to or integrated             into each other (or one another),         -   can have a width which is narrower than, equal to, or wider             than the width of any other layer of the tongue,         -   can have a length which is shorter than, equal to, or longer             than the length of any other layer of the tongue, and/or         -   can have a size which is smaller than, equal to, or larger             than the size of any other layer of the tongue.     -   For example, a tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can comprise at         least one top layer and at least one bottom layer. Each layer of         the at least one top layer and the at least one bottom layer can         be attached to or integrated into at least one other layer of         the at least one top layer and the at least one bottom layer.     -   For example, a tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can be partially         or fully elastic or non-elastic.     -   For example, a footwear has a tongue. The tongue, equivalent to         tongue 40, can be made of at least one predetermined material,         so that the tongue can predeterminedly cushion a foot from a         lace, a lace-end fastener, and/or at least one lace-section         fastener, and so that the foot will feel predeterminedly         comfortable when wearing the footwear.     -   For example, a part or an entirety of tongue 40 can be selected         from the group consisting of: at least one predetermined foam         layer, at least one predetermined fabric layer, at least one         predetermined plastic layer, at least one predetermined nylon         layer, at least one predetermined vinyl layer, at least one         predetermined leather layer, at least one predetermined suede         layer, at least one predetermined rubber layer, the like, the         equivalent, and a combination of at least two of the above.     -   For example, each layer of a tongue, equivalent to tongue 40,         can be attached to or integrated into at least one other layer         of the tongue and can be re-enforced to be prevented from         fraying, with at least one re-enforcing device (for example, a         re-enforcing device, for re-enforcing the layers of a tongue to         prevent the layers from fraying, can comprise elastic thread,         non-elastic thread, glue, heat, rivet, grommet, velcro, clamp,         snap lock, button, hook, ring, the like, the equivalent, or a         combination of at least two of the above).     -   For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a tongue (equivalent to tongue         40) of a footwear. The tongue is made of at least one         predetermined material, so that:         -   the tongue can predeterminedly cushion a foot from a lace, a             lace-end fastener, and/or at least one lace-section             fastener, and         -   the foot will feel predeterminedly comfortable when wearing             the footwear.

The tongue comprises at least one top layer and at least one bottom layer. The at least one top layer is attached to or integrated into the at least one bottom layer along the edges thereof, by using elastic and/or non-elastic thread(s) (as re-enforcing device(s)). The at least one top layer has two openings (equivalent to openings 53 and 54 in the first example).

The at least one bottom layer has at least one layer 28 and an opening 29. Opening 29 (equivalent to opening 55 in the first example) is disposed generally below the level of the two openings of the at least one top layer. At least one layer 28 (represented by the dotted lines) is disposed between the at least one top layer and the rest of the at least one bottom layer. At least one layer 28 is disposed generally at the level of the two openings of the at least one top layer. At least one layer 28 is made of at least one predetermined material, so that:

-   -   At least one layer 28 can predeterminedly cushion a foot from a         lace, a lace-end fastener, and/or at least one lace-section         fastener, and     -   the foot will feel predeterminedly comfortable when wearing the         footwear.

At least one layer 28 can have a width which is narrower than, equal to, or wider than the width of any other layer of the tongue.

At least one layer 28 can have a length which is shorter than, equal to, or longer than the length of any other layer of the tongue.

At least one layer 28 can have a size which is smaller than, equal to, or larger than the size of any other layer of the tongue.

At least one layer 28 can be attached to or integrated into at least one other layer of the tongue (for example, at least one layer 28 can be partially or fully sewn to either at least one of the rest of the at least one bottom layer, at least one of the at least one top layer, or both). At least one layer of the tongue can be made of material(s), such as vinyl, leather, suede, rubber, the like, the equivalent, etc. which will not fray.

Further, the tongue can comprise at least one re-enforcing device (for example, a re-enforcing device can comprise elastic thread, non-elastic thread, glue, heat, rivet, grommet, velcro, clamp, snap lock, button, hook, ring, the like, the equivalent, or a combination of at least two of the above). Each of the at least one re-enforcing device is for attaching at least one layer of the tongue together and for re-enforcing at least one layer of the tongue to prevent at least one layer of the tongue from fraying (e.g., an elastic or non-elastic thread is sewn along the edges of at least one layer of the tongue to attach the at least one layer together, and another elastic or non-elastic thread 30 is sewn on the edges of the tongue around opening 29 to re-enforce the edges of the tongue around opening 29 to prevent the edges from fraying) (e.g., heat and/or glue is pressed along the edges of at least one layer of the tongue to attach the at least one layer together, and heat and/or glue is pressed along the edges of the tongue around opening 29 to re-enforce the edges of the tongue around opening 29 to prevent the edges from fraying).

-   -   For example, a tongue (equivalent to tongue 40) of a         predetermined footwear, can have a plurality of predetermined         layers. At least one layer (equivalent to at least one layer 28         in FIG. 2) of the layers is made of at least one predetermined         material, so that:         -   the at least one layer of the layers can predeterminedly             cushion a foot from a lace, a lace- end fastener, and/or at             least one lace-section fastener, and         -   the foot will feel predeterminedly comfortable when wearing             the footwear.     -   For example, FIG. 3 illustrates a tongue, equivalent to tongue         40. The tongue has at least one opening. The tongue comprises at         least one top layer and at least one bottom layer. At least one         of the at least one top layer can be sewn to at least one of the         at least one bottom layer, at at least one predetermined         location thereon, as follows:         -   for example, anywhere along the edges thereof with at least             one thread, to define a seam 23 between the edges thereof;             and/or         -   for example, anywhere in the mid sections thereof with at             least one thread 22, to define and/or to close partially or             fully the tongue top of the tongue for lace ends of a lace             and/or a lace-end fastener to be hidden in the tongue top             and to be prevented from moving (e.g., to be prevented from             sliding down).     -   Each layer of a tongue (which is equivalent to tongue 40) can         have any predetermined shape and size, regardless of the rest of         the tongue.     -   For example, each layer of a tongue, equivalent to tongue 40,         can be attached to or integrated into at least one other layer         of the tongue.     -   For example, any layer of a tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can         be smaller than, narrower than, shorter than, equal to, bigger         than, wider than, and/or longer than any other layer of the         tongue.     -   For example, any layer of a tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can         be rectangular, square, oval, round, triangular, or otherwise         shaped.     -   A tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can have at least one         predetermined opening. Each of the at least one opening can have         any predetermined shape and size, and can be disposed at any         predetermined location thereon, in any predetermined direction         therefrom.     -   For example, a tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can comprise a         plurality of predetermined layers:         -   a) each of the layers is sewn to at least one other of the             layers, along their edges, to define at least one seam             between their edges; and/or         -   b) if any of the layers comprises a plurality of portions,             these portions can be sewn to each other (or one another),             to define at least one other seam in the layer between the             edges of its portions.

The tongue can have at least one opening and outer and inner surfaces. Each of the at least one opening can extend from the outer surface to the inner surface. Any of the at least one opening can be disposed:

-   -   in at least one of the layers,     -   in at least one of the at least one seam and/or the at least one         other seam (e.g., in a seam at the tongue-top area and/or in a         seam at the tongue-side area and/or in an other seam in at least         one of the layers), and/or     -   a combination of at least two of the above.     -   For example, a tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can comprise at         least one top layer and at least one bottom layer:         -   a) the at least one top layer is sewn to the at least one             bottom layer along their edges, to define at least one seam             between their edges; and/or         -   b) if any layer of the at least one top layer and the at             least one bottom layer comprises a plurality of portions,             these portions can be sewn to each other or one another, to             define at least one other seam in the layer between the             edges of its portions.

The tongue can have at least one opening and outer and inner surfaces. Each of the at least one opening can extend from the outer surface to the inner surface. Any of the at least one opening can be disposed:

-   -   in at least one of the at least one top layer,     -   in at least one of the at least one bottom layer,     -   in at least one of the at least one seam and/or the at least one         other seam (e.g., in the seam at the tongue-top area and/or in         the seam at the tongue-side area and/or in the other seam in at         least one of the at least one top layer and/or in the other seam         in at least one of the at least one bottom layer), and/or     -   a combination of at least two of the above.     -   For example, a tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, has at least one         opening. One or each of lace ends 46 and 47 can be threaded         through at least one of the at least one opening of the tongue.         Lace ends 46 and 47 are tied together so that they are fastened         together, to set predetermined lace tensions of lace 41, and are         hidden securely inside the tongue top of the tongue and         prevented from moving.     -   For example, a tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can have three         openings. The seam, where at least one top layer of the tongue         is attached to or integrated into at least one bottom layer of         the tongue, has two of the three openings. The at least one         bottom layer of the tongue has the last one of the three         openings. Each of lace ends 46 and 47 is threaded through one         opening in the seam, and through the last opening. Lace ends 46         and 47 are tied together so that lace ends 46 and 47 are         fastened together, and are threaded back through the last         opening into the tongue top to be hidden therein and prevented         from moving.     -   For example, a tongue, equivalent to any tongue in the present         invention, can have at least one opening. Further, if desired,         any one of the at least one opening can comprise grommet, thread         (e.g., elastic or non-elastic), glue, predetermined material(s)         (e.g., folded portion(s) of layer(s) of the tongue surrounding         the opening), the like, the equivalent, or a combination of at         least two of the above, which surrounds the opening to         re-enforce the portion of the tongue surrounding the opening to         prevent the opening from fraying.     -   For example, a tongue, equivalent to any tongue in the present         invention, can replace any tongue in the present invention. The         tongue can have just two openings (e.g., they are equivalent to         openings 53 and 54 in the first example, respectively). One of         the two lace ends of a lace can be threaded through these two         openings; Then, the two lace ends can be tied together so that         they are fastened together; And the two lace ends can be         threaded back through one of the two openings of the tongue and         hidden up inside the tongue top.     -   For example, a tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can have at         least one opening. Each of the at least one opening, regardless         of the rest of the at least one opening, can be disposed upside         down, right side up, sidewards, upwards, downwards,         longitudinally, horizontally, diagonally, or otherwise disposed.     -   For example, a tongue, equivalent to any tongue in the present         invention, can have at least one opening. Each of the at least         one opening, regardless of the rest of the at least one opening,         can have any predetermined shape and size (e.g., a curved line,         a straight line, a wavy line, a line with at least one of its         two ends rounded to prevent wear and tear (for example, the         shape of a dumb bell of opening 29 in FIG. 2), an oval, a         waxing-or-waning-moon shape, a square, a rectangle, a triangle,         a round shape, any other shape, the like, the equivalent, or a         combination of at least two of the above.

2) Lace:

-   -   A lace, equivalent to any lace in the present invention, can be         partially or entirely made of at least one material, which can         be elastic, non-elastic, flexible, non-flexible, resilient,         non-resilient, rigid, semi-rigid, transparent, non-transparent,         fluorescent, light-reflecting, glittered, glow-in-the-dark,         fabric, cotton, leather, vinyl, nylon, rubber, plastic, thread,         eye-catching, metallic, steel, bronze, zinc, copper, aluminum,         iron, alloy, tin, the like, the equivalent, or a combination of         at least two of the above.     -   A lace, equivalent to lace 41, can have any predetermined shape         and size, and can be disposed at any predetermined location on         and in any predetermined direction from a footwear and/or a         unique system (which is equivalent to the unique system in the         first example).     -   The cross-section of a lace, equivalent to lace 41, can have any         predetermined shape and size.     -   A lace, equivalent to lace 41, can comprise at least one lace,         each of which can have any predetermined shape and size, and can         be made of at least one material.     -   A lace, equivalent to lace 41, can have a plurality of lace         sections.     -   A foot can be inserted into a footwear at any time(s).     -   For example, in the first example, the foot can be inserted into         the footwear before, during, or after lace ends 46 and 47 are         fastened together, to set at least one predetermined lace         tension of lace 41. Lace ends 46 and 47 can be refastened any         time to reset at least one predetermined lace tension of lace         41.     -   For example, in the first example, the foot can be inserted into         the footwear before, during, or after the assemblage.

3) Lace-end fastener:

-   -   A lace-end fastener, equivalent to any lace-end fastener in the         present invention, can be partially or entirely made of at least         one material, which can be elastic, non-elastic, flexible,         non-flexible, resilient, non-resilient, rigid, semi-rigid,         transparent, non-transparent, fluorescent, light-reflecting,         glittered, glow-in-the-dark, fabric, cotton, leather, vinyl,         nylon, rubber, plastic, thread, eye-catching, metallic, steel,         bronze, zinc, copper, aluminum, iron, alloy, tin, the like, the         equivalent, or a combination of at least two of the above.     -   A lace-end fastener, equivalent to the lace-end fastener in the         first example, can be partially or fully fixed or movable.     -   A lace-end fastener, equivalent to any lace-end fastener in the         present invention, can have any predetermined shape and size,         and can be disposed at any predetermined location on and in any         predetermined direction from a footwear and/or a unique system         (which is equivalent to any unique system in the present         invention).     -   The cross-section of a lace-end fastener, equivalent to any         lace-end fastener in the present invention, can have any         predetermined shape and size.     -   A lace-end fastener, equivalent to the lace-end fastener in the         first example, can be separate from, attached to, or integrated         into a tongue of a footwear, a lace, at least one lace-section         fastener, and/or a footwear.     -   A lace-end fastener, equivalent to the lace-end fastener in the         first example, for fastening two lace ends of a lace, can         comprise at least one portion of the lace and/or at least one         portion of a predetermined device (for example, a device can         comprise a clamp with or without an electronic device, for         example, to measure a walking distance).     -   A lace-end fastener, equivalent to the lace-end fastener in the         first example, for fastening two lace ends of a lace, can         comprise the two lace ends of the lace and/or a predetermined         device.     -   A unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the first         example, can have a lace-end fastener. The lace-end fastener can         have any predetermined shape and size, and can be disposed at         any predetermined location on and in any predetermined direction         from the unique system and/or a footwear.     -   A lace-end fastener, equivalent to any lace-end fastener in the         present invention, can be fixed or movable, and can comprise at         least one predetermined hook, at least one predetermined ring,         the like of at least one predetermined hook, the like of at         least one predetermined ring, the equivalent of at least one         predetermined hook, the equivalent of at least one predetermined         ring, or a combination of at least two of the above.

Each hook can have any predetermined shape and size, and can be disposed at any predetermined location on and in any predetermined direction from a unique system. Each hook can be made separately, attachedly, or integrally. Each hook is for a lace to be hooked thereon, from any predetermined direction.

Each ring can have any predetermined shape and size, and can be disposed at any predetermined location on and in any predetermined direction from a unique system. Each ring can be made separately, attachedly, or integrally. Each ring is for a lace to be hooked thereon (by being threaded therethrough), from any predetermined direction.

-   -   For example, a lace-end fastener (for example, at least one hook         and/or at least one ring), equivalent to any lace-end fastener         in the present invention, can be disposed upside down (for         example, FIG. 6 illustrates an upside-down hook), right side up         (for example, FIG. 7 illustrates a right-side-up hook),         sidewards, upwards, downwards, longitudinally, horizontally,         diagonally, or otherwise disposed.     -   For example, a lace-end fastener (for example, at least one hook         and/or at least one ring), equivalent to any lace-end fastener         in the present invention, can be disposed upside down, right         side up, sidewards (for example, FIG. 4 illustrates a lace-end         fastener disposed sidewards), upwards, downwards,         longitudinally, horizontally, diagonally, or otherwise disposed.     -   For example, a lace-end fastener, equivalent to the lace-end         fastener in the first example, can comprise the two lace ends of         a lace. The two lace ends can be tied together so that the lace         ends are fastened together.     -   For example, a lace-end fastener, equivalent to the lace-end         fastener in the first example, can comprise a predetermined         clamp for releasably or permanently clamping, at predetermined         pressure(s), two lace ends of a lace together so that the lace         ends are fastened together. Each of the two lace ends can be         clamped in any predetermined direction.     -   For example, a lace-end fastener, equivalent to the lace-end         fastener in the first example, can comprise a predetermined         clamp and/or two lace ends of a lace. The two lace ends can be         tied separately or together. The clamp is for releasably or         permanently clamping, at predetermined pressure(s), the two lace         ends together so that the lace ends are fastened together.     -   For example, FIG. 4 illustrates a predetermined lace-end         fastener, equivalent to the lace-end fastener in the first         example. This lace-end fastener comprises a predetermined clamp.         The clamp comprises a predetermined ring 37, which has a         predetermined hole. Each of lace ends 46 and 47 is threaded         through the hole of ring 37 in the same direction as or in the         opposite direction from the direction the other of lace ends 46         and 47 is threaded in. Then, each of lace ends 46 and 47 can be         tied separately (e.g., tied into at least one knot or at least         one half-bow knot so that each of lace ends 46 and 47 can be         untied quickly and easily), or can be tied together with the         other of lace ends 46 and 47. As a result, the clamp releasably         or permanently clamps, at predetermined pressure(s), lace ends         46 and 47 together so that lace ends 46 and 47 are fastened         together.

4) Lace-section fastener:

-   -   A lace-section fastener, equivalent to any lace-section fastener         in the present invention, can be partially or entirely made of         at least one material, which can be elastic, non-elastic,         flexible, non-flexible, resilient, non-resilient, rigid,         semi-rigid, transparent, non-transparent, fluorescent,         light-reflecting, glittered, glow-in-the-dark, fabric, cotton,         leather, vinyl, nylon, rubber, plastic, thread, eye-catching,         metallic, steel, bronze, zinc, copper, aluminum, iron, alloy,         tin, the like, the equivalent, or a combination of at least two         of the above.     -   A lace-section fastener, equivalent to the lace-section fastener         in the first example, can be partially or fully fixed or         movable.     -   A unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the first         example, can have at least one lace-section fastener. Any of the         at least one lace-section fastener, which is equivalent to the         lace-section fastener in the first example, can be separate         from, attached to, or integrated into a tongue of a footwear, a         lace, a lace-end fastener, any other of the at least one         lace-section fastener, and/or a footwear.     -   A unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the first         example, can have at least one lace-section fastener. Each of         the at least one lace-section fastener can have any         predetermined shape and size, and can be disposed at any         predetermined location on and in any predetermined direction         from the unique system and/or a footwear.     -   For example, a unique system, equivalent to the unique system in         the first example, can have at least one lace-section fastener.         Each of the at least one lace-section fastener can be disposed:         -   on the top-side of one of the two opposite sides of a             footwear;         -   on the under-side of one of the two opposite sides of a             footwear;         -   at the edge of one of the two opposite sides of a footwear;         -   in one of the two opposite sides of a footwear (e.g., a             lace-section fastener can comprises a predetermined             integrated ring (for example, ring 118 in FIG. 12), which             comprises a ring-shaped portion of one of the two opposite             sides. This portion extends from the top-side to the             under-side of one of the two opposite sides, and surrounds a             predetermined hole); or         -   a combination of at least two of the above.     -   A unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the first         example, can have at least one lace-section fastener. Each of         the at least one lace-section fastener can be separate from,         attached to, or integrated into a footwear at any predetermined         location(s) thereon, in any predetermined direction(s)         therefrom. Each of the at least one lace-section fastener can         fasten at least one lace section thereon. Each of the at least         one lace-section fastener can have any predetermined shape and         size.         -   For example, a unique system, equivalent to the unique             system in the first example, can have at least one             lace-section fastener. The at least one lace-section             fastener can comprise at least one lace-section fastener in             the first example and/or at least one lace-section fastener             in the sixth example. Each of the at least one lace-section             fastener can function as described in the first and/or sixth             examples above, respectively.         -   For example, a unique system, equivalent to the unique             system in the first example, can have at least one             lace-section fastener. Any (or the top of any) of the at             least one lace-section fastener can have the predetermined             shape of any heart, any bow, any flower, any oval, any             rectangle, any square, any circle, any             partial-or-full-human-being shape, any             partial-or-full-animal shape, any animation, any shape in             nature, any man-made shape, and/or any other predetermined             shape.     -   A lace-section fastener, equivalent to any lace-section fastener         in the present invention, can be fixed or movable, and can         comprise at least one predetermined hook, at least one         predetermined ring, the like of at least one predetermined hook,         the like of at least one predetermined ring, the equivalent of         at least one predetermined hook, the equivalent of at least one         predetermined ring, or a combination of at least two of the         above.

Each hook can have any predetermined shape and size, and can be disposed at any predetermined location on and in any predetermined direction from a unique system (which is equivalent to the unique system in the first example). Each hook can be made separately, attachedly, or integrally. Each hook is for a lace to be hooked thereon, from any predetermined direction.

Each ring can have any predetermined shape and size, and can be disposed at any predetermined location on and in any predetermined direction from a unique system (which is equivalent to the unique system in the first example). Each ring can be made separately, attachedly, or integrally. Each ring is for a lace to be hooked thereon (by being threaded therethrough), from any predetermined direction.

-   -   A unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the first         example, can have at least one lace-section fastener. At least         one of the at least one lace-section fastener can be separate         from, can be attached to, can be integrated into, can function         as, can comprise, and/or can have at least one of the lace         receivers of a footwear, which is equivalent to any footwear in         the present invention.         -   For example, each of the at least one lace-section fastener             in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, seventh, eighth,             ninth, tenth, eleventh, and/or twelfth examples. can             comprise or have at least one of the lace receivers therein.         -   For example, the lace-section fastener in the sixth example             are separate from the lace receivers.         -   For example, the lace-section fastener in the first example             comprises two of the lace receivers.         -   For example, three lace-section fasteners in the eighth             example have four hooks 74, 75, 76, and 77 of the lace             receivers.         -   For example, any lace-section fastener (for example, at             least one hook and/or at least one ring), equivalent to any             lace-section fastener in the present invention, can be             disposed upside down (for example, FIG. 6 illustrates an             upside-down hook), right side up (for example, FIG. 7             illustrates a right-side-up hook), sidewards, upwards,             downwards, longitudinally, horizontally, diagonally, or             otherwise disposed.         -   For example, any lace-section fastener (for example, at             least one hook and/or at least one ring), equivalent to any             lace-section fastener in the present invention, can be             disposed upside down (for example, FIG. 1C illustrates             upside-down hook 56 and ring 57), right side up (for             example, FIG. 1C illustrates right-side-up hooks 72, 73, 74,             75, 76, 77, 84, 85, 86, and 87), sidewards, upwards,             downwards, longitudinally, horizontally, diagonally, or             otherwise disposed.         -   For example, any lace-section fastener, equivalent to any             lace-section fastener in the present invention, can also             function as any lace receiver of any footwear, and vice             versa.         -   For example, a lace-section fastener, equivalent to the             lace-section fastener in the first example, can comprise a             wire with its one end bent into a hook and its other end             bent into a ring. The hook and ring function similarly as             hook 56 and ring 57 in the sixth example, respectively.         -   For example, a lace-section fastener, equivalent to the             lace-section fastener in the first example, can comprise a             wire spring, which is resilient. The wire spring has one of             its two ends bent into a hook and the other one of its two             ends bent into a ring. The hook and ring function similarly             as hook 56 and ring 57 in the sixth example, respectively.     -   A lace-section fastener, equivalent to any lace-section fastener         in the present invention, can have any predetermined shape and         size, and can be disposed at any predetermined location on and         in any predetermined direction from a footwear and/or a unique         system (which is equivalent to any unique system in the present         invention).     -   The cross-section of a lace-section fastener, equivalent to any         lace-section fastener in the present invention, can have any         predetermined shape and size.     -   A lace-section fastener, equivalent to the lace-section fastener         in the first example, can be made of different predetermined         material(s) from or can be made of the same predetermined         material(s) as any element(s) of a footwear, and can be attached         to or integrated into the footwear as part of the footwear.         -   For example, a predetermined hole in one side of the two             opposite sides of a footwear is the hole of a ring (for             example, ring 118 in FIG. 12). The ring is part of a             lace-section fastener. The ring comprises the ring-shaped             portion of that one side of the two opposite sides. As part             of that one side, the ring-shaped portion surrounds the             hole, and is part of the footwear.

5) Equivalent methods:

-   -   A unique system, equivalent to any unique system or its         equivalent in the present invention, can comprise: a tongue of a         predetermined footwear, a partially or fully elastic or         non-elastic lace, a predetermined lace-end fastener, and at         least one predetermined lace-section fastener. If desired, the         unique system can be similar to any unique system or its         equivalent in the present invention. The footwear has two         opposite sides and a plurality of lace-receivers disposed         thereon. The lace receivers can comprise at least one hook, at         least one ring, the like of at least one hook, the like of at         least one ring, the equivalent of at least one hook, the         equivalent of at least one ring, or a combination of at least         two of the above. At least one of the at least one lace-section         fastener:         -   can be separate from at least one of the lace receivers of             the footwear (e.g., in the sixth example),         -   can be attached to at least one of the lace receivers of the             footwear (e.g., in the first example),         -   can be integrated into at least one of the lace receivers of             the footwear (e.g., in the first example),         -   can function as at least one of the lace receivers of the             footwear (e.g., in the first example, or in FIG. 5),         -   can comprise at least one of the lace receivers of the             footwear (e.g., see FIG. 4 in my aforementioned U.S. Pat.             No. 6,701,590) (e.g., in the first example, or in FIG. 5),             and/or         -   can have at least one of the lace receivers of the footwear             (e.g., in the seventh example).

The following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, respectively. The following fastening and unfastening methods are also equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in my aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,590 (column 3, from line 56 to line 64), respectively:

-   -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot, the foot is inserted into         the footwear.     -   b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, the foot is pulled out         of the footwear.     -   For example, FIG. 5 illustrates a unique system, equivalent to         any unique system or its equivalent in the present invention.         This unique system can comprise the unique system in the first         example, except that:         -   each lace receiver, which is a hook, is replaced with a             ring; and         -   at least one of the at least one lace-section fastener             comprises at least one of the lace receivers.

The following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, respectively. The following fastening and unfastening methods are also equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in my aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,590 (column 3, from line 56 to line 64), respectively:

-   -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot, the foot is inserted into         the footwear.     -   b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, the foot is pulled out         of the footwear.     -   For example, a unique system, equivalent to any unique system or         its equivalent in the present invention and similar to the         unique system illustrated in FIG. 5, can comprise the unique         system in the first example, except that:         -   each lace receiver, which is a ring, is replaced with a             hook; and         -   at least one of the at least one lace-section fastener             comprises at least one of the lace receivers.

The following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, respectively. The following fastening and unfastening methods are also equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in my aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,590 (column 3, from line 56 to line 64), respectively:

-   -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot, the foot is inserted into         the footwear.     -   b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, the foot is pulled out         of the footwear.     -   For example, a unique system, equivalent to any unique system or         its equivalent in the present invention and similar to the         unique system illustrated in FIG. 5, can comprise the unique         system in the first example, except that:         -   the lace receivers can comprise at least one hook, at least             one ring, the like, the equivalent, or a combination of at             least two of the above; and         -   at least one of the at least one lace-section fastener             comprises at least one of the lace receivers.

The following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, respectively. The following fastening and unfastening methods are also equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in my aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,590 (column 3, from line 56 to line 64), respectively:

-   -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot, the foot is inserted into         the footwear.     -   b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, the foot is pulled out         of the footwear.

6) Footwear:

-   -   A footwear, equivalent to any footwear in the present invention,         can be partially or entirely made of at least one material,         which can be elastic, non-elastic, flexible, non-flexible,         resilient, non-resilient, rigid, semi-rigid, transparent,         non-transparent, fluorescent, light-reflecting, glittered,         glow-in-the-dark, fabric, cotton, leather, vinyl, nylon, rubber,         plastic, thread, eye-catching, metallic, steel, bronze, zinc,         copper, aluminum, iron, alloy, tin, the like, the equivalent, or         a combination of at least two of the above.     -   A unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the first         example, can further comprise at least one predetermined         preventing device. Each of the at least one preventing device is         equivalent to any bent tip in the first example, which prevents         the respective hook from snagging thing, poking thing, and/or         from releasing a lace when the lace is hooked thereon. Each of         the at least one preventing device can be disposed at any         predetermined location on the unique system.     -   For example, at least one preventing device can be separate         from, attached to, or integrated into at least one lace-section         fastener (each of which is equivalent to the lace-section         fastener in the first example), respectively, to prevent the at         least one lace-section fastener from snagging thing, poking         thing, and/or from releasing a lace when the lace is hooked         thereon.     -   For example, FIG. 8 illustrates a predetermined preventing         device 92, equivalent to any bent tip in the first example.         Preventing device 92 (for example, having the form of a hill)         can be separate from, attached to, or integrated into hook 72 of         the lace-section fastener in the first example to prevent hook         72 from snagging thing, poking thing, and/or from releasing lace         41 when lace 41 is hooked thereon.     -   For example, FIG. 9 illustrates one of two opposite sides 97 of         a footwear (which is equivalent to the footwear in the first         example). A plurality of opposite hooks 98 are attached to or         integrated into two opposite sides 97 at predetermined locations         thereon, respectively. Two predetermined opposite preventing         devices 96 (which are equivalent to at least one of the bent         tips in the first example) comprise two opposite elastic or         non-elastic portions, which are attached to or integrated into         two opposite sides 97, respectively. The two opposite elastic or         non-elastic portions cover opposite hooks 98, respectively, to         prevent opposite hooks 98 from snagging thing, poking thing,         and/or from releasing a lace when the lace is hooked thereon.

Each of the two opposite elastic or non-elastic portions can be lifted up, when a predetermined external force is applied thereto, to expose at least one of opposite hooks 98; and can return to its original form and/or location, when the predetermined external force is removed therefrom. A unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the first example, can have at least one lace-section fastener. At least one of opposite hooks 98 can be a part or an entirety of the at least one lace-section fastener (each of the at least one lace-section fastener is equivalent to the lace-section fastener in the first example).

-   -   A footwear can be laced with a lace (of a unique system         equivalent to the unique system in the first example) in any         predetermined way to define a plurality of lace sections and to         form any predetermined lacing style, using some or all of its         lace receivers. Each of the lace sections extends between two of         its lace receivers on the same side.

7) Lace receiver:

-   -   Any lace receiver (equivalent to any lace receiver in the         present invention) of a footwear, regardless of other lace         receivers of the footwear, can be partially or entirely made of         at least one material, which can be elastic, non-elastic,         flexible, non-flexible, resilient, non-resilient, rigid,         semi-rigid, transparent, non-transparent, fluorescent,         light-reflecting, glittered, glow-in-the-dark, fabric, cotton,         leather, vinyl, nylon, rubber, plastic, thread, eye-catching,         metallic, steel, bronze, zinc, copper, aluminum, iron, alloy,         tin, the like, the equivalent, or a combination of at least two         of the above.     -   A lace receiver, equivalent to any lace receiver in the present         invention, can be partially or fully fixed or movable.     -   Each lace receiver (equivalent to any lace receiver in the         present invention) of a footwear, can have any predetermined         shape and size, and can be disposed at any predetermined         location on the footwear, in any predetermined direction from         the footwear, regardless of other lace receivers of the         footwear.     -   The cross-section of each lace receiver (equivalent to any lace         receiver in the present invention) of a footwear, can have any         predetermined shape and size.     -   For example, each lace receiver of a footwear (which is         equivalent to the footwear in the first example) can be disposed         on one of the two opposite sides of the footwear.     -   For example, regardless of other lace receivers of a footwear         (which is equivalent to the footwear in the first example), each         lace receiver of the footwear can be disposed:         -   on the top-side of one of the two opposite sides of the             footwear;         -   on the under-side of one of the two opposite sides of the             footwear;         -   at the edge of one of the two opposite sides of the             footwear;         -   in one of the two opposite sides of the footwear (e.g., a             lace receiver can comprises a predetermined integrated ring             (for example, ring 118 in FIG. 12), which comprises a             ring-shaped portion of one of the two opposite sides. This             portion, as part of one of the two opposite sides, extends             from the top-side to the under-side of one of the two             opposite sides, and surrounds a predetermined hole); or         -   a combination of at least two of the above.     -   Any lace receiver, in the present invention, can be replaced         with any other lace receiver, the like, the equivalent, or a         combination of at least two of the above.     -   A footwear, equivalent to any footwear in the present invention,         can have a plurality of lace receivers. At least one of the lace         receivers can be separate from, can be attached to, can be         integrated into, can function as, can comprise, and/or can have         at least one of the at least one lace-section fastener of a         unique system, which is equivalent to any unique system in the         present invention.         -   For example, any lace receiver (which is at least one hook,             the like, the equivalent, or a combination of at least two             of the above) can be replaced with any other lace receiver             (which is at least one ring, the like, the equivalent, or a             combination of at least two of the above), and vice versa.         -   For example, any lace receiver in the present invention can             comprise at least one hook, at least one ring, the like of             the at least one hook, the like of the at least one ring,             the equivalent of the at least one hook, the equivalent of             the at least one ring, or a combination of at least two of             the above.     -   A lace receiver, equivalent to any lace receiver in the present         invention, can be fixed or movable, and can comprise at least         one predetermined hook, at least one predetermined ring, the         like of at least one predetermined hook, the like of at least         one predetermined ring, the equivalent of at least one         predetermined hook, the equivalent of at least one predetermined         ring, or a combination of at least two of the above.

Each hook can have any predetermined shape and size, and can be disposed at any predetermined location on and in any predetermined direction from a footwear. Each hook can be made separately, attachedly, or integrally. Each hook is for a lace to be hooked thereon, from any predetermined direction.

Each ring can have any predetermined shape and size, and can be disposed at any predetermined location on and in any predetermined direction from a footwear. Each ring can be made separately, attachedly, or integrally. Each ring is for a lace to be hooked thereon (by being threaded therethrough), from any predetermined direction.

-   -   For example, any lace receiver (for example, at least one hook         and/or at least one ring), equivalent to any lace receiver in         the present invention, can be disposed upside down (for example,         FIG. 6 illustrates an upside-down hook), right side up (for         example, FIG. 7 illustrates a right-side-up hook), sidewards,         upwards, downwards, longitudinally, horizontally, diagonally, or         otherwise disposed.     -   For example, any lace receiver (for example, at least one hook         and/or at least one ring), equivalent to any lace receiver in         the present invention, can be disposed upside down (for example,         FIG. 1D illustrates upside-down hooks), right side up (for         example, FIG. 1A illustrates right-side-up hooks), sidewards,         upwards, downwards, longitudinally, horizontally, diagonally, or         otherwise disposed.     -   For example, at least one of the lace receivers of a footwear         can also function as at least one of the at least one         lace-section fastener of a unique system, and vice versa. The         unique system is equivalent to any unique system in the present         invention and is applied to the footwear.     -   For example, each of rings 70, 71, 78, and 79 in the first         example can be fixed.     -   For example, each of hooks 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, and 77 in the         first example can be fixed or movable.     -   For example, FIG. 10 illustrates some examples of a lace         receiver and/or a part of a lace-section fastener. The lace         receiver and/or a part of the lace-section fastener is         equivalent to any lace receiver and/or a part of any         lace-section fastener in the present invention. The lace         receiver and/or a part of the lace-section fastener can         comprise:         -   a metallic or plastic hook 102, attached to or integrated             into the top-side of a footwear with rivet(s) or thread(s),             so that the hook is fixed or movable; or         -   a plastic or fabric ring 103, 104, or 105, attached to or             integrated into the under-side of a footwear with rivet(s)             or thread(s) (each of rings 103, 104, and 105 is a strip of             material riveted or sewn to the footwear to create a fixed             or movable ring). Rings 103, 104, and 105 are disposed on             the top-side of, at the edge of, and on the under-side of             one of the two opposite sides of the footwear, respectively.     -   For example, FIG. 11 illustrates some examples of a lace         receiver and/or a part of a lace section fastener. The lace         receiver and/or a part of the lace-section fastener is         equivalent to any lace receiver and/or a part of any         lace-section fastener in the present invention. The lace         receiver and/or a part of the lace-section fastener can         comprise:         -   at least one metallic or plastic hook 108, at least one             metallic or plastic ring 110, at least one metallic or             plastic hook 112, or at least one metallic or plastic s-hook             114, attached to or integrated into at least one metallic,             plastic, or fabric ring, respectively. The at least one             metallic, plastic, or fabric ring is attached to or             integrated into one of the two opposite sides of a footwear,             so that at least one hook 108, at least one ring 110, at             least one hook 112, or at least one s-hook 114 is fixed or             movable.     -   For example, FIG. 12 illustrates some examples of a lace         receiver and/or a part of a lace-section fastener of a unique         system, equivalent to any unique system in the present         invention. The lace receiver and/or a part of the lace-section         fastener is equivalent to any lace receiver and/or a part of any         lace-section fastener in the present invention (for example, The         lace receiver and/or a part of the lace-section fastener is         equivalent to either hook 72 or hook 73 in the first example).         The lace receiver and/or a part of the lace-section fastener can         comprise:         -   a metallic or plastic hook 126 and a metallic or plastic             ring 128 (attached to or integrated into each other), and/or         -   either a ring 118, 120, or 122 (attached to or integrated             into a side of a footwear as part of the footwear).

Ring 118 comprises a ring-shaped portion of one of the two opposite sides of the footwear. The ring-shaped portion has a hole, which extends from the top-side to the under-side of one of the two opposite sides of the footwear. Ring 118 is represented by the dotted line. Ring 118 is equivalent to each of rings 70, 71, 78, and 79 in the first example. Rings 120 and 122 are sewn to the under-side and the top-side of one of the two opposite sides, respectively.

When assembling a unique system equivalent to any unique system in the present invention, a lace section 124 can be hooked on ring 128 (by being threaded thereto. Lace section 124 is equivalent to any lace section in the present invention (e.g., lace section 124 is equivalent to either lace section 48 a or 49 a in the first example). Equivalent to hooking lace section 48 a on hook 72 or hooking lace section 49 a on hook 73 in the fastening method in the first example, to fasten lace section 124 on the lace receiver and/or a part of the lace-section fastener, hook hook 126 on either ring 118, 120, or 122.

-   -   For example, a lace receiver and/or a part of a lace-section         fastener, equivalent to any lace receiver and/or a part of any         lace-section fastener in the present invention, can comprise a         ring (for example, ring 70, 71, 78, or 79 in FIG. 1A; or ring         118 in FIG. 12), which has a hole. The ring comprises a         ring-shaped portion of one of the two opposite sides of a         footwear, and surrounds the hole. Further, if desired, the ring         can comprise a re-enforcing device (for example, a re-enforcing         device can comprise elastic thread, non-elastic thread, glue,         heat, rivet, grommet, velcro, clamp, snap lock, button, hook,         ring, the like, the equivalent, or a combination of at least two         of the above), which surrounds the hole to re-enforce the lace         receiver and/or a part of the lace-section fastener.

8) Unique system:

-   -   A unique system, equivalent to any unique system in the present         invention, can be partially or entirely made of at least one         material, which can be elastic, non-elastic, flexible,         non-flexible, resilient, non-resilient, rigid, semi-rigid,         transparent, non-transparent, fluorescent, light-reflecting,         glittered, glow-in-the-dark, fabric, cotton, leather, vinyl,         nylon, rubber, plastic, thread, eye-catching, metallic, steel,         bronze, zinc, copper, aluminum, iron, alloy, tin, the like, the         equivalent, or a combination of at least two of the above.     -   A unique system, equivalent to any unique system in the present         invention, can be applied to any type of footwear.         -   For example, the unique system can be applied to working             footwear, sporting footwear (e.g., recreational footwear),             dress footwear, safety footwear, convenient footwear, and/or             any other type of footwear (e.g., sneaker, tennis footwear,             hiking footwear, walking footwear, running footwear,             cross-training footwear, basketball footwear, volleyball             footwear, indoor footwear, outdoor footwear, thongs,             sandals, boots, shoes, the like, the equivalent, etc).     -   A part or an entirety of a unique system, which is equivalent to         any unique system in the present invention, can be disposed at         any predetermined location(s) on a footwear, which this unique         system is applied to.         -   For example, a part or an entirety of a unique system, which             is equivalent to any unique system in the present invention,             can be separate from, attached to, or integrated into a             footwear at any predetermined location(s) on the footwear.     -   Any element(s) of a unique system, equivalent to any unique         system in the present invention, can be made in at least one         color.     -   Any element(s) of a unique system, equivalent to any unique         system in the present invention, can be made separate from,         attached to, or integrated into any other element(s) of the         unique system and/or any element(s) of a footwear, at any         predetermined location(s) thereon, in any predetermined         direction(s) therefrom.         -   For example, in the tenth example, further, if desired, the             unique system can comprise at least one connecting device to             connect the first and second lace-section fasteners with             each other and/or with the footwear.     -   Further, a unique system, equivalent to any unique system in the         present invention, can comprise at least one additional element,         which can be attached to or integrated into any other element(s)         of the unique system and/or any element(s) of a footwear, at any         predetermined location(s) thereon, in any predetermined         direction(s) therefrom.

The at least one additional element is selected from the group consisting of at least one predetermined relief, at least one predetermined design, at least one predetermined printing, at least one predetermined painting, at least one predetermined stamping, at least one predetermined device, at least one predetermined inscription, at least one predetermined decal, at least one predetermined engraving, at least one predetermined embossing, at least one predetermined decor, and a combination of at least two of the above.

-   -   For example, a light-reflecting tape, a design, a printing, a         decal, and/or a relief can be printed on, glued on, baked on, or         molded on the lace-section fastener of:         -   any unique system in the present invention, or         -   any equivalent of any unique system in the present             invention.

VARIATION, RAMIFICATION, AND CONCLUSION

Having many advantages over all the prior arts heretofore, the unique system of the present invention:

-   -   hides lace ends and lace-end fastener inside the tongue of a         footwear and prevent them from moving, to eliminate snagging,         tripping hazards. This is highly advantageous over all the prior         arts, because it utilizes the tongue of a footwear, which is         already there, to hide lace ends and lace-end fastener therein,         to eliminate the needs for any additional cumbersome, hazardous         devices;     -   makes a foot feel predeterminedly comfortable when wearing a         footwear with the unique system applied thereto.         -   (for example, a footwear can have a predetermined tongue so             that:         -   the tongue can predeterminedly cushion a foot from a lace, a             lace-end fastener, and/or at least one lace-section fastener             of a unique system, and/or         -   the foot will feel predeterminedly comfortable when wearing             the footwear).     -   has at least one lace-section fastener. If desired, at least one         of the at least one lace-section fastener can comprise at least         one of the lace receivers of a footwear, which the unique system         is applied thereto.     -   fastens the tongue of a footwear in place when fastening the         footwear onto a foot;     -   only needs to be assembled once to set predetermined lace         tensions, which can be reset any time;     -   eliminates the needs for adjusting, tying a lace every time a         footwear is fastened onto a foot;     -   eliminates the needs for adjusting, untying a lace every time a         footwear is unfastened from a foot;     -   is inexpensive, compact, safe, and simple. Thus, it can be used         by people of almost any age;     -   applies interlock method. Thus, the harder it is pulled, the         more securely it fastens a footwear;     -   only needs to be assembled once;     -   only needs one finger to be operated; and     -   can also serve as a safety system when, for example, partially         or entirely made of light-reflecting or glow-in-the-dark         material.         -   For example, a unique system, equivalent to any unique             system in the present invention, can have at least one             lace-section fastener. The at least one lace-section             fastener can comprise and function as at least one of the             lace receivers of a footwear, which the unique system is             applied to (for example, the at least one lace-section             fastener can comprise and function as the six lace receivers             of the footwear illustrated in FIG. 1D). These six lace             receivers are for the lace sections of a lace to be hooked             thereon and to be unhooked therefrom to fasten the footwear             on and to unfasten the footwear from a foot, respectively.         -   For example, FIG. 13A illustrates a lace-section fastener,             equivalent to any lace-section fastener in the present             invention. The lace-section fastener comprises three hooks             and one ring integrated into one another. Each of the hooks             is equivalent to and functions as hook 56 in the sixth             example and/or hook 84, 85, 86, or 87 in the ninth example,             to create a different predetermined lace tension of a lace             when the lace is hooked thereon. The ring is equivalent to             and functions as ring 57 in the sixth example.         -   For example, FIG. 13B illustrates a lace-section fastener,             equivalent to any lace-section fastener in the present             invention. The lace-section fastener comprises four hooks             integrated into one another. Each of the hooks is equivalent             to and functions as hook 56 in the sixth example and/or hook             84, 85, 86, or 87 in the ninth example, to create a             different predetermined lace tension of a lace when the lace             is hooked thereon.         -   For example, a tongue, equivalent to any tongue in the             present invention, can have at least one opening. Any of the             at least one opening can be disposed upside down, right side             up, sidewards (for example, FIG. 14 illustrates an opening             130 of a tongue disposed sidewards), upwards, downwards,             longitudinally, horizontally, diagonally, or otherwise             disposed.     -   A unique system, equivalent to any unique system or its         equivalent in the present invention, can comprise: a tongue of a         predetermined footwear, a partially or fully elastic or         non-elastic lace, a predetermined lace-end fastener, and at         least one predetermined lace-section fastener. If desired, the         unique system can be similar to any unique system or its         equivalent in the present invention. The footwear has two         opposite sides and a plurality of lace-receivers disposed         thereon. The lace receivers can comprise at least one hook, at         least one ring, the like of at least one hook, the like of at         least one ring, the equivalent of at least one hook, the         equivalent of at least one ring, or a combination of at least         two of the above. At least one of the at least one lace-section         fastener:         -   can be separate from at least one of the lace receivers of             the footwear (e.g., in the sixth example),         -   can be attached to at least one of the lace receivers of the             footwear (e.g., in the first example),         -   can be integrated into at least one of the lace receivers of             the footwear (e.g., in the first example),         -   can function as at least one of the lace receivers of the             footwear (e.g., in the first example, or in FIG. 5),         -   can comprise at least one of the lace receivers of the             footwear (e.g., in the first example, or in FIG. 5), and/or         -   can have at least one of the lace receivers of the footwear             (e.g., in the seventh example).

The assemblage of the unique system is similar to that of any similar unique system in the present invention, but with the two lace ends of the lace not yet tied and not yet hidden inside the tongue. For example, referring to FIG. 1B and FIG. 15A, FIG. 15A illustrates a tongue equivalent and similar to the tongue in FIG. 1B except that, the bottom-layer of this tongue comprises two opposite portions partially attached to each other longitudinally along their adjacent edges to create an opening (which is equivalent to opening 55 in FIG. 1B) therebetween in the bottom-layer for the two lace ends of the lace to be threaded therethrough:

-   -   1) Example 1: Referring to FIG. 15A, the lace-end fastener can         comprise a predetermined clamp (e.g., a predetermined         spring-loaded clamp 131). Clamp 131 is for clamping the two lace         ends together to fasten them together when the two lace ends are         threaded therethrough. The following fastening and unfastening         methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods         in the first example, respectively:         -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot,             -   clamp 131 is slid toward the footwear so that a                 predetermined fastening tension of the lace is created,                 and             -   the two lace ends and clamp 131 are hidden inside the                 tongue.         -   b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot,             -   the two lace ends and clamp 131 are taken out of the                 tongue, and             -   clamp 131 is slid away from the footwear so that a                 predetermined unfastening tension of the lace is                 created.     -   2) Example 2: Referring to FIG. 1B, the lace-end fastener         comprises the two lace ends (e.g., lace ends 46 and 47). The         following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to         the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example,         respectively:         -   a) To fasten the footwear on a foot, the two lace ends are             tied together so that they are fastened together, and the             two lace ends are hidden inside the tongue.         -   b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, the two lace ends             are taken out of the tongue, and the two lace ends are             untied from each other so that they are unfastened from each             other.     -   A lace-end fastener, equivalent to any lace-end fastener in the         present invention:         -   can be separate from a footwear,         -   can be attached to a footwear,         -   can be integrated into a footwear,         -   can be separate from at least one of the lace receivers of a             footwear,         -   can be attached to at least one of the lace receivers of a             footwear,         -   can be integrated into at least one of the lace receivers of             a footwear,         -   can function as at least one of the lace receivers of a             footwear,         -   can comprise at least one of the lace receivers of a             footwear, and/or         -   can have at least one of the lace receivers of a footwear.     -   For example, FIG. 15B illustrates a unique system, equivalent to         any unique system in the present invention. This unique system         comprises the unique system in the first example, except that         tongue 40 has no opening and two rings 70 and 71 are replaced         with two predetermined cups 133, each of which has a hole. The         lace-end fastener comprises two lace receivers, which are two         cups 133 (instead of lace ends 46 and 47). Instead of threading         lace 41 through the at least one opening of tongue 40, each of         lace ends 46 and 47 is threaded through one of the two holes of         two cups 133, and is tied into a knot or an equivalent, to set         at least one predetermined lace tension of lace 41, so that each         of lace ends 46 and 47 is fastened inside one of two cups 133         and is hidden therein and prevented from moving.

This unique system operates similarly as the unique system in the first example to fasten the footwear on and to unfasten the footwear from a foot. The fastening and unfastening methods of this unique system are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first example, respectively.

-   -   A lace-section fastener, equivalent to any lace-section fastener         in the present invention, can also extend to a wide range of         applications (e.g., at least one lace-section fastener can be         used on any clothing product and/or accessory, any type of         headwear, any type of hat, any beauty product and/or accessory,         any sport product and/or accessory, any type of bag, box,         container, or brief case, any medical product and/or accessory,         any fashion product and/or accessory, any safety product and/or         accessory, any convenient product and/or accessory, etc.).         -   For example, FIG. 16 illustrates an inside view of the back             portion (equivalent to a tongue of a footwear) of a hat. The             hat has first and second lace sections (equivalent to lace             sections of a lace) and at least one lace-section fastener.             Each of the first and second lace sections can be partially             or fully elastic or non-elastic. The at least one             lace-section fastener comprises lace-section fastener 132,             and is equivalent and similar to the lace-section fastener             in the sixth example. The first lace section is threaded             through the ring of lace-section fastener 132, and sewn to             one of the two opposite sides of the hat, to be attached             thereto. The ends (equivalent to the lace ends of a lace,             functioning as a lace-end fastener) of the second lace             section are threaded through the hole(s) in the other one of             the two opposite sides of the hat, and tied into a knot 134,             to be attached thereto and to create predetermined             tension(s) of the first and/or second lace sections. The             ends of the second lace section can be untied and retied any             time to adjust the tension(s). Lace-section fastener 132             functions similarly as the lace-section fastener in the             sixth example, to fasten the hat on a head.

The first lace section can be replaced by a duplicate of the second lace section, which functions like and is assembled the same way as the second lace section; or the second lace section can be replaced by a duplicate of the first lace section, which functions like and is assembled the same way as the first lace section.

This unique system, equivalent to any unique system in the present invention, can also extend to the wide range of applications mentioned above.

-   -   For example, at least one lace-section fastener, equivalent to         the lace-section fastener in the first example, can be used to         replace button, snap button, zipper, Velcro, etc. to fasten:         hat, shirt, sleeve, glove, bikini, shorts, pants, bra, purse,         fanny bag, suitcase, backpack, any bag, any box, any container,         any clothing article, any clothing accessory, any sport article,         any boot, sandal, any sport accessory, the like, the equivalent,         etc.     -   A lace-section fastener, equivalent to any lace-section fastener         in the present invention, can comprise a double-hook         lace-section fastener having double hooks 136 as illustrated in         FIG. 17A. This lace-section fastener comprises a male portion         and a mating female portion. Each of the male and female         portions has at least one ring or the equivalent for at least         one of the lace sections of a lace to be hooked thereon (by         being threaded therethrough). The male portion can be inserted         into the female portion so that the male and female portions can         snap-hook on each other and/or can snap-lock each other to         fasten the lace sections together.     -   A lace-section fastener, equivalent to any lace-section fastener         in the present invention, can comprise a single-hook         lace-section fastener having single hook 138 as illustrated in         FIG. 17B. This lace-section fastener comprises a male portion         and a mating female portion. Each of the male and female         portions has at least one ring or the equivalent for at least         one of the lace sections of a lace to be hooked thereon (by         being threaded therethrough). The male portion can be inserted         into the female portion so that the male and female portions can         snap-hook on each other and/or can snap-lock each other to         fasten the lace sections together.     -   A footwear, equivalent to any footwear in the present invention,         can have a plurality of lace receivers. Each lace receiver,         regardless of other lace receivers of the footwear, can comprise         at least one hook, at least one ring, the like of at least one         hook, the like of at least one ring, the equivalent of at least         one hook, the equivalent of at least one ring, or a combination         of at least two of the above. A unique system, equivalent to any         unique system in the present invention, is applied to the         footwear. The unique system can have at least one lace-section         fastener. For example, the unique system can have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,         6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,         23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 lace-section fasteners. Each         of the lace-section fasteners can comprise and function as the         lace-section fastener(s) in the first example, fifth example,         sixth example, seventh example, eighth example, and/or tenth         example.     -   A unique system, equivalent to any unique system in the present         invention, can further comprise at least one predetermined         protecting device for covering, decorating, and protecting at         least one portion of a lace of a footwear. Each of the at least         one protecting device can be disposed at any predetermined         location on the unique system. Each of the at least one         protecting device can be separate from, attached to, or         integrated into the lace of the footwear and/or any element(s)         of the unique system.

Each of the at least one protecting device can have any predetermined shape and size, and can be disposed at any predetermined location on and in any predetermined direction from the footwear and/or the unique system. The cross-section of each of the at least one protecting device can have any predetermined shape and size.

Each of the at least one protecting device can be partially or entirely made of at least one material, which can be elastic, non-elastic, flexible, non-flexible, resilient, non-resilient, rigid, semi-rigid, transparent, non-transparent, fluorescent, light-reflecting, glittered, glow-in-the-dark, fabric, cotton, leather, vinyl, nylon, rubber, plastic, thread, eye-catching, metallic, steel, bronze, zinc, copper, aluminum, iron, alloy, tin, the like, the equivalent, or a combination of at least two of the above.

-   -   For example, FIG. 18 illustrates a lace-section fastener 140 of         a unique system, equivalent to any unique system in the present         invention. Lace-section fastener 140 is equivalent and similar         to the lace-section fastener in the sixth example, and is for         fastening two opposite lace sections. The unique system,         further, comprises two protecting devices 142, which are two         predetermined rubber, vinyl, or plastic tubes made in at least         one predetermined color. Two protecting devices 142 are         resilient. Two protecting devices 142 are slid over the two         opposite lace sections of a lace to cover, decorate, and protect         them.     -   For example, two protecting devices 142 in FIG. 18 can be         replaced with two equivalent protecting devices, each of which         can have the shape of an accordion tube, and is resilient. The         accordion tube can shrink when an external force is applied         thereto, and can return back to its original form and/or length         when the external force is removed therefrom.     -   All the elements of all the unique systems and their equivalents         of the present invention and all the steps of all the fastening         and unfastening methods and their equivalents of the present         invention can also extend to a wide range of applications.         -   For example, a change in scale of any unique system and/or             any of its equivalents in the present invention can be made             to apply it to a doll's footwear, a puppet's footwear, a             statue's footwear, the like, the equivalent, etc.     -   A unique system, equivalent to any unique system in the present         invention, can be made in at least one predetermined color.     -   A tongue, equivalent to any tongue in the present invention, can         be made in at least one predetermined color.     -   A lace, equivalent to any lace in the present invention, can be         made in at least one predetermined color.     -   A lace-end fastener, equivalent to any lace-end fastener in the         present invention, can be made in at least one predetermined         color.     -   A lace-section fastener, equivalent to any lace-section fastener         in the present invention, can be made in at least one         predetermined color.

In addition to all of the aforementioned exemplifications of the present invention, all the elements of the unique systems and their equivalents and all the steps of the fastening and unfastening methods and their equivalents are also capable of various variations, ramifications, equivalents, structures, materials, colors, forms, functions, dimensions, operations, permutations, styles, alternatives, extensions, arrangements, applications, modes, scales, ranges, configurations, simplifications, additions, adaptations, modifications, substitutions, combinations, associations, etc., without departing from the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention will be determined by the ensuing claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the aforementioned exemplifications. 

1. A unique system comprising a tongue of a predetermined footwear, lacing means, lace-end-fastening means, and at least one lace-section-fastening means, the footwear having two opposite sides and a plurality of lace-receiving means disposed thereon, said lacing means having a plurality of lace sections and lace ends, the footwear laced with said lacing means so that each of said lace sections extends between two of said lace-receiving means on the same side, said tongue having at least one opening and outer and inner surfaces, each of said at least one opening extending from said outer surface to said inner surface, said tongue comprising a plurality of layers, said lacing means threaded through said at least one opening, said lace ends fastened by said lace-end-fastening means, said lace ends hidden inside said tongue, said at least one lace-section-fastening means for at least one of said lace sections to be fastened thereon and for at least one of said lace sections to be unfastened therefrom to fasten the footwear on and to unfasten the footwear from a foot, respectively.
 2. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, a part or an entirety of said tongue selected from the group consisting of: at least one predetermined foam layer, at least one predetermined fabric layer, at least one predetermined plastic layer, at least one predetermined nylon layer, at least one predetermined vinyl layer, at least one predetermined leather layer, at least one predetermined suede layer, at least one predetermined rubber layer, at least one predetermined layer so that a foot will feel predeterminedly comfortable when wearing the footwear, at least one partially elastic tongue, at least one fully elastic tongue, at least one partially non-elastic tongue, at least one fully non-elastic tongue, and a combination of at least two of the above.
 3. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, said lacing means selected from the group consisting of: at least one partially elastic lace, at least one fully elastic lace, at least one partially non-elastic lace, at least one fully non-elastic lace, and a combination of at least two of the above.
 4. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, said lace-end-fastening means selected from the group consisting of: at least one predetermined clamping means for clamping said lace ends together so that said lace ends are fastened together, at least one predetermined snap-clamping means for clamping said lace ends together so that said lace ends are fastened together, at least one predetermined spring-loaded clamping means for clamping said lace ends together so that said lace ends are fastened together, at least one predetermined hook, at least one predetermined ring, said lace ends for being tied together so that said lace ends are fastened together, and a combination of at least two of the above.
 5. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, said lace-end-fastening means disposed in a manner selected from the group consisting of: being separate from the footwear, being attached to the footwear, being integrated into the footwear, being separate from said tongue, being attached to said tongue, being integrated into said tongue, being separate from at least one of said lace-receiving means, being attached to at least one of said lace-receiving means, being integrated into at least one of said lace-receiving means, and a combination of at least two of the above.
 6. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, said lace-end-fastening means operating in a manner selected from the group consisting of: functioning as at least one of said lace-receiving means, comprising at least one of said lace-receiving means, having at least one of said lace-receiving means, and a combination of at least two of the above.
 7. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, said at least one lace-section-fastening means selected from the group consisting of: at least one predetermined hooking means for at least one of said lace sections to be fastened thereon, at least one predetermined snap-hooking means for at least one of said lace sections to be fastened thereon, at least one predetermined spring-loaded hooking means for at least one of said lace sections to be fastened thereon, at least one predetermined hook, at least one predetermined ring, at least one of said lace-receiving means, and a combination of at least two of the above.
 8. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, at least one of said at least one lace-section-fastening means disposed in a manner selected from the group consisting of: being separate from the footwear, being attached to the footwear, being integrated into the footwear, being separate from said tongue, being attached to said tongue, being integrated into said tongue, being separate from at least one of said lace-receiving means, being attached to at least one of said lace-receiving means, being integrated into at least one of said lace-receiving means, and a combination of at least two of the above.
 9. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, at least one of said at least one lace-section-fastening means operating in a manner selected from the group consisting of: functioning as at least one of said lace-receiving means, comprising at least one of said lace-receiving means, having at least one of said lace-receiving means, and a combination of at least two of the above.
 10. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, at least one of said lace-receiving means selected from the group consisting of: at least one hook, at least one fixed hook, at least one movable hook, at least one ring, at least one fixed ring, at least one movable ring, and a combination of at least two of the above.
 11. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, a part or an entirety of the unique system made of at least one material, each of said at least one material selected from the group consisting of: at least one predetermined material, elastic material, non-elastic material, flexible material, non-flexible material, resilient material, non-resilient material, rigid material, semi-rigid material, transparent material, non-transparent material, fluorescent material, light-reflecting material, glittered material, glow-in-the-dark material, fabric, cotton, leather, vinyl, nylon, rubber, various plastic, various metallic material, plastic, metal, eye-catching material, steel, bronze, zinc, copper, aluminum, iron, alloy, tin, and a combination of at least two of the above.
 12. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, said tongue having at least one seam, each of said at least one seam extending from said outer surface to said inner surface, each of said at least one opening disposed at a location selected from the group consisting of: in at least one of said at least one seam, in at least one of said layers, and a combination thereof.
 13. The unique system of claim 1, further, comprising at least one element, each of said at least one element selected from the group consisting of: at least one re-enforcing means for re-enforcing said layers, at least one preventing means for preventing said at least one lace-section-fastening means from snagging hazard, at least one connecting means for connecting at least one element of the unique system with at least one other element of the unique system or with the footwear or with both, at least one protecting means for covering at least one portion of said lacing means to decorate and to protect the at least one portion of said lacing means, and a combination of at least two of the above.
 14. The unique system of claim 1, further, comprising at least one element, each of said at least one element selected from the group consisting of: at least one predetermined relief, at least one predetermined design, at least one predetermined printing, at least one predetermined painting, at least one predetermined stamping, at least one predetermined device, at least one predetermined inscription, at least one predetermined decal, at least one predetermined engraving, at least one predetermined embossing, at least one predetermined decor, and a combination of at least two of the above.
 15. A unique method for fastening a footwear on a foot, providing a predetermined footwear and a unique system, the unique system comprising a tongue of the footwear, lacing means, lace-end-fastening means, and at least one lace-section-fastening means, the footwear having two opposite sides and a plurality of lace-receiving means disposed thereon, said lacing means having a plurality of lace sections and lace ends, the footwear laced with said lacing means so that each of said lace sections extends between two of said lace-receiving means on the same side, said tongue having at least one opening and outer and inner surfaces, each of said at least one opening extending from said outer surface to said inner surface, said lace-end-fastening means comprising said lace ends, said lacing means threaded through said at least one opening, said lace ends tied together so that said lace ends are fastened together, said lace ends hidden inside said tongue, the unique method comprising the step of hooking at least one of said lace sections on said at least one lace-section-fastening means.
 16. The unique method of claim 15, further, comprising the step of unhooking at least one of said lace sections from said at least one lace-section-fastening means.
 17. The unique method of claim 15, wherein, at least one of said at least one lace-section-fastening means comprising at least one of said lace-receiving means.
 18. A unique method for fastening a footwear on a foot, providing a predetermined footwear and a unique system, the unique system comprising a tongue of the footwear, lacing means, lace-end-fastening means, and at least one lace-section-fastening means, the footwear having two opposite sides and a plurality of lace-receiving means disposed thereon, said lacing means having a plurality of lace sections and lace ends, the footwear laced with said lacing means so that each of said lace sections extends between two of said lace-receiving means on the same side, said tongue having at least one opening and outer and inner surfaces, each of said at least one opening extending from said outer surface to said inner surface, said lace-end-fastening means comprising said lace ends, said lacing means threaded through said at least one opening, the unique method comprising the steps of: tying said lace ends together so that said lace ends are fastened together, and hiding said lace ends inside said tongue.
 19. The unique method of claim 18, further, comprising the steps of: taking said lace ends out of said tongue, and untying said lace ends from each other so that said lace ends are unfastened from each other.
 20. The unique method of claim 18, wherein, at least one of said at least one lace-section-fastening means comprising at least one of said lace-receiving means. 